I thought, since it is New Years Eve, I would post a photo gallery of shots from some of the places I’ve been around the world. Sort of a “Best of” gallery from previous posts. I’ve been only blogging since August, so I have yet to post shots from everywhere I’ve been. And, I have yet to even start posting video from all of these places. That is what 2014 is for. Resolution 🙂
The world is a big, beautiful place, filled with interesting people, amazing sights, random coincidences and occasional tender mercies. I have been blessed to travel. I have been blessed to make friends on every continent. I hope to keep the friends I have made and make more as time goes by. However, my greatest blessings are found at home, with a warm fire, a good meal and my family, who love me.
I hope you enjoy the photographs. Happy New Year.
Soweto Towers could be one of the coolest places in the world to bungee and base jump.
Corregated metal, cardboard, canvas and the ever-present barbed wire makeup the materials of most houses in the township.
Without education, children growing up in the township face limited opportunities.
The Village Elder gave us permission to take a picture, but, the women of the village, the mothers wouldn’t come out of their huts to be in the shot.
A child can find pure joy amidst the most challenging of circumstances.
The secret to such smooth, smooth skin could be found in the mud of Lubumbashi River.
Working with root fibers in Yamoransah village, Ghana.
When I tried to take her picture, she would hide her face and then laugh. When I showed her pictures of her friends, she opened up enough to let take this photo.
Jacaranda trees bloom in spectacular beauty on a residential street in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The legendary tree of life thrives in Africa.
A thirsty African elephant takes a healthy drink from his own personal well.
Leopard finishing a meal of Impala at the Mala Mala Game Reserve, South Africa.
One of the greatest achievements of Roman Engineering and Architecture, the Roman Colosseum is still the largest amphitheater in the world.
Kneeling in the attitude of penitent prayer, this woman remains still for hours, hoping her prayers will be answered with coins in her cup.
Late afternoon light illuminates a common staircase adjacent to the Scala Sancta (Holy Steps) said to be the steps Jesus stood upon before Pontius Pilate.
A vintage rainy day in Paris.
KIngs and Courtiers still bask in the lavish extravagance of the Château de Versailles.
Evergreen soldiers await the command to march on the Palace.
One of the islands on the Seine, near the birthplace of Paris.
A woman rests from her burdens.
Can you say Da Vinci Code?
The heart of the ancient Inca Empire
Scones and Smiles, she’ll warm your heart with both.
Shape, pattern, line and light emerge through a high-dynamic-range look into the meadow.
Early morning sun shines on Lone Peak, Wasatch Mountains, Utah.
Temple Square in Salt Lake City is the headquarters of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Construction of the Salt Lake Temple began in 1847 and took nearly 40 years to complete. The Temple, surrounded by thousands of twinkling Christmas lights, stands as a symbol of faith and hope to more than 15 million Latter-day Saints (Mormons) across the world.
The Eternal City, Rome’s history spans more than 2,500 years. Founded in 753 BC., legend suggest that Romulus and Remus weren’t content to remain with the wolves, but instead founded the world’s oldest continually occupied city. When Romulus killed his brother Remus in a dispute over where the city should be, the Roman Empire was born.
I spent a day in Rome. We didn’t have a plan. We thought we didn’t need one. Everywhere you turn there is something ancient and interesting. With a church on nearly every corner, we lost track of which was which. We couldn’t go in them all. We couldn’t see them all. We could have spent weeks, months studying, learning, enjoying and capturing the beauty of this ancient city with a modern vibe. I will go back.
Designed to hold between 50,000 and 80,000 spectators, stadium builders still use the Colosseum as a pattern for modern venues.
Commissioned by Marcus Agrippa during the reign of Augustus as a temple to all the gods of Ancient Rome, the Catholic Church dedicated the Pantheon to St. Mary and the Martyrs in the 7th Century.
Representing the Emperor Septimus Severus’ victory in A.D. 203, this Arch still stands to welcome travelers to the glory of ancient Rome.
Legend claims that Peter was crucified upside down and Paul was imprisoned near the basilica just outside the Forum.
Ancient Rome and Catholicism coexist on top of one another.
Designed both to intimidate and illuminate, many Cathedrals in Rome provide stark contrasts between the light and the darkness.
Master works by artists such as Bernini and Michael Angelo can be found on the alter pieces of many Cathedrals throughout Rome.
Intricate stone angels and demons inspire visions of heaven and hell in many Cathedrals throughout Rome.
Intricate designs draw the eyes to heaven.
Massive stone pillars provide support near the grand entrance to St. Peter’s Square.
The height to the oculus and the diameter of the interior circle are the same, 43.3 meters.
Dedicated as a Catholic church in the 7th century, two kings of Italy are buried in the Pantheon; Vittorio Emanuele II and Umberto I.
Numerous shrines to the Virgin Mary can be found in the most unlikely places throughout Rome.
As the sun sets on the piazza, night walks begin. Historic sights in Rome are beautiful by day or night.
If my umbrella didn’t work, the naked Romans would intimidate me, too.
A wedding party was just gathering as we happened upon the Piazza del Campidoglio.
Intricate artwork crafted by the masters adorns the ceilings of nearly every Cathedral in Rome.
Intricate stone work and detailed artwork adorn buildings along the Via della Conciliazone, connecting Saint Peter’s Square to the Castel Sant’Angelo.
An Angel holds the golden crown of celestial glory above the Cathedral alter.
They're Calling To Me 